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1 Timothy 5:9
DailyBibleStudy.Org
9 Let [katalego] not [me] a widow [chera] be taken into the number [katalego] under [elasson] threescore [hexekonta] years old, [etos] having been [ginomai] the wife [gune] of one [heis] man, [aner] KJV-Interlinear
9 Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, NASB
Paul now introduces a new topic, and this is the topic of older and mature women and the requirements for their inclusion in the ministry. The ministry of women does not include teaching of scripture to the general congregation. That duty was cleared up earlier in our study of this book, being reserved for the older and mature male.
And this is not a list of requirements for which women (widows) may be included in consideration for support.
Paul earlier stated very clearly, that any widow (no age restriction) who is without means of support, is eligible for support from the church. The church is a broad expression which includes you as an individual, or an organization, such as a local church, charity, or any organization that provides aid or support or resources for women (or anyone who is in need). Compassion dictates that Christians do not exclude anyone from support, when they are in need.
But now Paul begins by distinguishing older women, typically widows (but not a rigid mandate), who have reached the age of sixty years.
This is set because the passions of youth have generally faded, the children are grown up and gone, and the woman who has lost her husband, still possesses a lifetime of wisdom and knowledge, with which she can use to help others in their life struggles.
An older woman (widow) would have the time, maturity, character, reputation, and compassion for serving others, whereas the younger women may still be inclined to remarry and devote their lives to their families.
Nothing is wrong with either situation, for both situations have their good attributes. And, the sixty year age limit is not a hard and fasts limit, either. The important characteristic is not age, but maturity, and specifically spiritual maturity.
Paul will get into the various personality attributes that must be a part of the woman’s life.
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Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
1 Timothy 5:8
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1 Timothy 5:8
DailyBibleStudy.Org
8 But [de] if any [ei tis] provide [pronoeo] not [ou] for his own, [idios] and [kai] specially [malista] for those of his own house, [oikeios] he hath denied [arneomai] the faith, [pistis] and [kai] is [esti] worse than [cheiron] an infidel. [apistos] KJV-Interlinear
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. NASB
Only a few words need to be straightened out here, in order to understand this verse.
First the word for denied, ‘arneomai,’ which means to reject, contradict, refuse.
The second word or rather phrase is, ‘worse than an infidel.’ This is not a reference to your spiritual status, but is an expression used to express extreme disgust in someone for not doing (or for doing in some cases) what they are supposed to do (or not do).
An infidel is a broad word usually referring to unbelievers, or those who do not believe in the things that ‘believers’ believe in. It is usually used in a derogatory way, to show bias, or prejudice, or repulsiveness, or revulsion toward someone.
When someone does something that you are horrified with, you will generally compare them with something disgusting while at the same time insulting them. You might say that they are lower than a snake, or worse than a pile of dog doo-doo, or something of that nature. Of course you probably will use more colorful language while expressing your disapproval.
And anyway, our subject here is the people who do not take care of their own.
To provide, ‘pronoeo,’ means to plan before. This indicates forethought. And its connotation is that you have someone in your family (widows are our context as the example of someone who is helpless), or your entire family in general, or others who are near to you, but not necessarily a part of your family.
The expression, ‘not for his own,’ is vague intentionally to describe those who you know and are in need of help.
And then ‘especially for ones own family’ further defines those immediate family or extended family members, such that this creates a larger circle of acquaintances (family and friends, etc.).
And now since you have the means (this is presumed), and are aware of someone's need, but within your own mind you have already decided (your general attitude toward others, greed, selfishness, etc) to not help them, then that makes you the worst kind of low life, less than human, disgusting person that words can’t even begin to describe.
If you do not have the means, then this does not apply, unless you take your limited resources and give it away, thus cheating your own immediate family, etc. And in that case then this principle would apply.
This refusal to help is not limited to widows or relatives or friends simply because they are having financial difficulties, but it also extends to parents who will give to the church and starve their children, thinking that they are doing Gods work, but sacrificing their own children so to speak, by their good deeds. Or parents who pray for health cures, but refuse to see a doctor (who has the cure). And so forth.
It is these types of people who are irresponsible, and disobedient to the mandate that God gives to all people, especially Christians, to take care of your own. We have already studied this principle in this chapter and in the previous chapter.
To disobey God, in the name of God, believing that you are somehow being good, when in fact you are nothing more than arrogant and naïve, is the quintessence of hypocrisy and the dysfunctional spiritual life.
Even unbelievers accept personal responsibility for their own, and that based on common sense intuition of what is the right thing to do.
Therefore, believers who presumably have the Word of God to back them up, with an understanding of compassion and charity and responsibility and so forth, but refuse to follow these obvious principles of life, makes them more disgusting then unbelievers who are not even guided by doctrinal principles.
God never authorizes disobedience in the name of obedience.
You cannot do something wrong and call it right.
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1 Timothy 5:8
DailyBibleStudy.Org
8 But [de] if any [ei tis] provide [pronoeo] not [ou] for his own, [idios] and [kai] specially [malista] for those of his own house, [oikeios] he hath denied [arneomai] the faith, [pistis] and [kai] is [esti] worse than [cheiron] an infidel. [apistos] KJV-Interlinear
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. NASB
Only a few words need to be straightened out here, in order to understand this verse.
First the word for denied, ‘arneomai,’ which means to reject, contradict, refuse.
The second word or rather phrase is, ‘worse than an infidel.’ This is not a reference to your spiritual status, but is an expression used to express extreme disgust in someone for not doing (or for doing in some cases) what they are supposed to do (or not do).
An infidel is a broad word usually referring to unbelievers, or those who do not believe in the things that ‘believers’ believe in. It is usually used in a derogatory way, to show bias, or prejudice, or repulsiveness, or revulsion toward someone.
When someone does something that you are horrified with, you will generally compare them with something disgusting while at the same time insulting them. You might say that they are lower than a snake, or worse than a pile of dog doo-doo, or something of that nature. Of course you probably will use more colorful language while expressing your disapproval.
And anyway, our subject here is the people who do not take care of their own.
To provide, ‘pronoeo,’ means to plan before. This indicates forethought. And its connotation is that you have someone in your family (widows are our context as the example of someone who is helpless), or your entire family in general, or others who are near to you, but not necessarily a part of your family.
The expression, ‘not for his own,’ is vague intentionally to describe those who you know and are in need of help.
And then ‘especially for ones own family’ further defines those immediate family or extended family members, such that this creates a larger circle of acquaintances (family and friends, etc.).
And now since you have the means (this is presumed), and are aware of someone's need, but within your own mind you have already decided (your general attitude toward others, greed, selfishness, etc) to not help them, then that makes you the worst kind of low life, less than human, disgusting person that words can’t even begin to describe.
If you do not have the means, then this does not apply, unless you take your limited resources and give it away, thus cheating your own immediate family, etc. And in that case then this principle would apply.
This refusal to help is not limited to widows or relatives or friends simply because they are having financial difficulties, but it also extends to parents who will give to the church and starve their children, thinking that they are doing Gods work, but sacrificing their own children so to speak, by their good deeds. Or parents who pray for health cures, but refuse to see a doctor (who has the cure). And so forth.
It is these types of people who are irresponsible, and disobedient to the mandate that God gives to all people, especially Christians, to take care of your own. We have already studied this principle in this chapter and in the previous chapter.
To disobey God, in the name of God, believing that you are somehow being good, when in fact you are nothing more than arrogant and naïve, is the quintessence of hypocrisy and the dysfunctional spiritual life.
Even unbelievers accept personal responsibility for their own, and that based on common sense intuition of what is the right thing to do.
Therefore, believers who presumably have the Word of God to back them up, with an understanding of compassion and charity and responsibility and so forth, but refuse to follow these obvious principles of life, makes them more disgusting then unbelievers who are not even guided by doctrinal principles.
God never authorizes disobedience in the name of obedience.
You cannot do something wrong and call it right.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
1 Timothy 5:7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Timothy 5:7
DailyBibleStudy.Org
7 And [kai] these things [tauta] give in charge, [paraggello] that [hina] they may be [o] blameless. [anepileptos] KJV-Interlinear
7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. NASB
‘In charge,’ or ‘prescribe,’ paraggello,’ means to declare, teach, charge to others as their responsibility, to spread the message.
And the objective here is to teach all that are involved, including widows, families, and the entire Church (all believers in Christ). And what is to be taught is what we have been studying. Namely the principles of doctrine that have to do with virtually everything in life, from Gods perspective, not from yours.
And with that mandate, so that you will be found to be blameless, responsible, obedient, beyond rebuke, without spiritual blemish, honorable in Gods eyes.
These principles do not begin with your interactions with old men or young women, but include all manner of spiritual principles, taught throughout the Bible.
Today we do not have to look very far to see dishonest politicians, arrogant celebrities, world threats, disgusting friends and neighbors, the growing acceptance of socialism philosophies (very dangerous), and on and on. The bulk of the world is failing miserably in their collective spiritual lives. But then maybe that is the direction that history is going to take us, as the Bible has correctly predicted.
Most (all unbelievers), do not even have a spiritual life to begin with, and most believers, are so far astray from doctrine, that it is difficult to tell them apart from their unbelieving counterparts.
But there is only one way to satisfy God with respect to your spiritual life, and that is to adhere to the many spiritual principles that God teaches through the scriptures.
In so doing, you will be viewed as blameless, even as the world takes a nose dive into its destiny. And that is something that you can never get from this world.
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Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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1 Timothy 5:7
DailyBibleStudy.Org
7 And [kai] these things [tauta] give in charge, [paraggello] that [hina] they may be [o] blameless. [anepileptos] KJV-Interlinear
7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. NASB
‘In charge,’ or ‘prescribe,’ paraggello,’ means to declare, teach, charge to others as their responsibility, to spread the message.
And the objective here is to teach all that are involved, including widows, families, and the entire Church (all believers in Christ). And what is to be taught is what we have been studying. Namely the principles of doctrine that have to do with virtually everything in life, from Gods perspective, not from yours.
And with that mandate, so that you will be found to be blameless, responsible, obedient, beyond rebuke, without spiritual blemish, honorable in Gods eyes.
These principles do not begin with your interactions with old men or young women, but include all manner of spiritual principles, taught throughout the Bible.
Today we do not have to look very far to see dishonest politicians, arrogant celebrities, world threats, disgusting friends and neighbors, the growing acceptance of socialism philosophies (very dangerous), and on and on. The bulk of the world is failing miserably in their collective spiritual lives. But then maybe that is the direction that history is going to take us, as the Bible has correctly predicted.
Most (all unbelievers), do not even have a spiritual life to begin with, and most believers, are so far astray from doctrine, that it is difficult to tell them apart from their unbelieving counterparts.
But there is only one way to satisfy God with respect to your spiritual life, and that is to adhere to the many spiritual principles that God teaches through the scriptures.
In so doing, you will be viewed as blameless, even as the world takes a nose dive into its destiny. And that is something that you can never get from this world.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
1 Timothy 5:6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Timothy 5:6
DailyBibleStudy.Org
6 But [de] she that liveth in pleasure [spatalao] is dead [thnesko] while she liveth. [zao] KJV-Interlinear
6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. NASB
Borrowed from Ezek. 16:49, where the word ‘careless’ is used, here ‘wanton pleasure’ is a phrase that describes a person who leads an irresponsible life with no regard for the repercussions of their thoughts and actions.
In the previous verse, the widow leads a respectable life in pursuing her spiritual growth, not being an intentional burden on anyone, and in so doing, receives the mercies of God in meeting her daily needs.
This verse shows the woman who has been left alone in the world, and instead of turning to the Lord for help, turns away and to the world with reckless activity. This activity is not restricted to drinking and carousing and such things, but the emphasis is more on her disregard for her situation and all the more reason for the Lords help in her life.
And this principle can apply to anyone for that matter. Whenever a person is born into this world, they are at the mercy of evil. They can fight it on their own, but that won’t last very long. They can join evil and play the worldly game. And that won’t last them very long.
Or, they can turn to the only one who can help, and that is Christ, and that means certain victory in this life and the next.
Look around and you do not have to look very far to see the inequities and dangers in this world. This is the devils world. It is filled with disadvantages, and unfair situations for most everyone.
You can live in danger from crime, from storms, from genetic defects, from a very long list of problems. Look at yourself and add your problems to the list. The list grows and grows. This world is not the ideal place for life.
It is the devils design however.
But you do not have to look very far to see the answer to these disadvantages. Jesus Christ is the answer. He created us all, and reserved a place in heaven for everyone who believes in Him. Furthermore, He has a master plan to destroy this corrupted universe and replace it with a newer and much better one, which will last forever.
You can use your imagination as to the characteristics of the next universe, and probably will never begin to imagine even a small fraction of all (new and better) that will be in it.
And furthermore, those believers who advance to spiritual maturity, will be the recipients of phenomenal blessings, that those who ignore their spiritual life, will not receive.
And thus, the widow (or anyone), who disregards their spiritual life, which results in the death or better said, dysfunction and empty content, of their spiritual life, will lose out on those phenomenal blessings for all of eternity.
That is a huge loss, for such an empty reward of a frivolous life in this short life. Not a good trade.
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Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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1 Timothy 5:6
DailyBibleStudy.Org
6 But [de] she that liveth in pleasure [spatalao] is dead [thnesko] while she liveth. [zao] KJV-Interlinear
6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. NASB
Borrowed from Ezek. 16:49, where the word ‘careless’ is used, here ‘wanton pleasure’ is a phrase that describes a person who leads an irresponsible life with no regard for the repercussions of their thoughts and actions.
In the previous verse, the widow leads a respectable life in pursuing her spiritual growth, not being an intentional burden on anyone, and in so doing, receives the mercies of God in meeting her daily needs.
This verse shows the woman who has been left alone in the world, and instead of turning to the Lord for help, turns away and to the world with reckless activity. This activity is not restricted to drinking and carousing and such things, but the emphasis is more on her disregard for her situation and all the more reason for the Lords help in her life.
And this principle can apply to anyone for that matter. Whenever a person is born into this world, they are at the mercy of evil. They can fight it on their own, but that won’t last very long. They can join evil and play the worldly game. And that won’t last them very long.
Or, they can turn to the only one who can help, and that is Christ, and that means certain victory in this life and the next.
Look around and you do not have to look very far to see the inequities and dangers in this world. This is the devils world. It is filled with disadvantages, and unfair situations for most everyone.
You can live in danger from crime, from storms, from genetic defects, from a very long list of problems. Look at yourself and add your problems to the list. The list grows and grows. This world is not the ideal place for life.
It is the devils design however.
But you do not have to look very far to see the answer to these disadvantages. Jesus Christ is the answer. He created us all, and reserved a place in heaven for everyone who believes in Him. Furthermore, He has a master plan to destroy this corrupted universe and replace it with a newer and much better one, which will last forever.
You can use your imagination as to the characteristics of the next universe, and probably will never begin to imagine even a small fraction of all (new and better) that will be in it.
And furthermore, those believers who advance to spiritual maturity, will be the recipients of phenomenal blessings, that those who ignore their spiritual life, will not receive.
And thus, the widow (or anyone), who disregards their spiritual life, which results in the death or better said, dysfunction and empty content, of their spiritual life, will lose out on those phenomenal blessings for all of eternity.
That is a huge loss, for such an empty reward of a frivolous life in this short life. Not a good trade.
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Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
1 Timothy 5:5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Timothy 5:5
DailyBibleStudy.Org
5 Now [de] she that is a widow [chera] indeed, [ontos] and [kai] desolate, [monoo] trusteth [elpizo] in [epi] God, [theos] and [kai] continueth [prosmeno] in supplications [deesis] and [kai] prayers [proseuche] night [nux] and [kai] day. [hemera] KJV-Interlinear
5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. NASB
The first criteria for knowing who is destitute, is whether they (widows), have family or not. Those women who have resources, should look first to their family and the things they have, to sustain themselves, and not to burden others when they have options.
However, Paul notes the phrase ‘indeed.’ This means the women, widows, who have lost their husbands and have nothing, and no one, with which to turn to for help.
The word for desolate, ‘monoo,’ means single, and indicates being totally alone, forsaken and without resources.
The second criteria is that she be a Christian. The word for trust, ‘elpizo,’ means a continual state, and her trust is to be continual in God, and not in other worldly things.
This does not prevent Christians from helping unbelieving women (or others), for that is an option for charity, Gal. 6:10, but the Church (collectively) has a mandated obligation is to help Christians in desperate need.
However, those who are in receipt of help, have an obligation as well, and that is to maintain a state of spiritual growth through prayer, through worship, through daily study, and so forth.
And they are to pursue their spiritual life legitimately, night and day, which is not literal, but an expression for, ‘all of the time.’ And that is really a mandate for us all, for obvious reasons.
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1 Timothy 5:5
DailyBibleStudy.Org
5 Now [de] she that is a widow [chera] indeed, [ontos] and [kai] desolate, [monoo] trusteth [elpizo] in [epi] God, [theos] and [kai] continueth [prosmeno] in supplications [deesis] and [kai] prayers [proseuche] night [nux] and [kai] day. [hemera] KJV-Interlinear
5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. NASB
The first criteria for knowing who is destitute, is whether they (widows), have family or not. Those women who have resources, should look first to their family and the things they have, to sustain themselves, and not to burden others when they have options.
However, Paul notes the phrase ‘indeed.’ This means the women, widows, who have lost their husbands and have nothing, and no one, with which to turn to for help.
The word for desolate, ‘monoo,’ means single, and indicates being totally alone, forsaken and without resources.
The second criteria is that she be a Christian. The word for trust, ‘elpizo,’ means a continual state, and her trust is to be continual in God, and not in other worldly things.
This does not prevent Christians from helping unbelieving women (or others), for that is an option for charity, Gal. 6:10, but the Church (collectively) has a mandated obligation is to help Christians in desperate need.
However, those who are in receipt of help, have an obligation as well, and that is to maintain a state of spiritual growth through prayer, through worship, through daily study, and so forth.
And they are to pursue their spiritual life legitimately, night and day, which is not literal, but an expression for, ‘all of the time.’ And that is really a mandate for us all, for obvious reasons.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
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Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
1 Timothy 5:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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1 Timothy 5:4
DailyBibleStudy.Org
4 But [de] if any [ei tis] widow [chera] have [echo] children [teknon] or [e] nephews, [ekgonon] let them learn [manthano] first [proton] to shew piety [eusebeo] at home [idios], [oikos] and [kai] to requite [amoibe] [apodidomi] their parents: [progonos] for [gar] that [touto] is [esti] good [kalos] and [kai] acceptable [apodektos] before [enopion] God. [theos] KJV-Interlinear
4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. NASB
Paul mentioned the phrase ‘widow indeed,’ referring to one who is without resources.
One of the first tests of a widow lacking resources, is whether or not she has family or extended family.
One of the first obligations of family is to take care of their own.
No person is considered good (1 Tim. 5:8) if they simply want to turn their elders out to pasture so to speak, or to simply get rid of the inconvenience or obligation by placing them out of sight. And especially widows who usually have nowhere else to turn.
So, children have a responsibility to their parents. Grandchildren have a responsibility to their grandparents, and so forth.
This is not restricted to just two generations, but can go on for as long as folks are alive. But generally most families have only a couple of generations in view in this regard, when the grandchildren are old enough to be out on their own (thirty to forty years old etc.), and have the means to take care of others. Great-grandparents, even grand-parents probably will not be around by then. Only parents will probably be around.
With family assuming the first line of support responsibility, then that lessens the burden on others who give to their local church or assembly or group, for the purposes of charity and help, for folks such as these.
The word for first, ‘proton,’ means first in line, or first in priority. This is a mandate from God, and is one of the many tests of your obedience to God, when you accept without question, your responsibility to care for your own family.
Parents raised you and kept you for the better part of your younger years. So as children, you (we all), have a responsibility to give back to our parents, when they are in need. This of course does not apply when the parents are well off, obviously.
‘This is acceptable in Gods sight,’ makes it a mandated obligation.
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1 Timothy 5:4
DailyBibleStudy.Org
4 But [de] if any [ei tis] widow [chera] have [echo] children [teknon] or [e] nephews, [ekgonon] let them learn [manthano] first [proton] to shew piety [eusebeo] at home [idios], [oikos] and [kai] to requite [amoibe] [apodidomi] their parents: [progonos] for [gar] that [touto] is [esti] good [kalos] and [kai] acceptable [apodektos] before [enopion] God. [theos] KJV-Interlinear
4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. NASB
Paul mentioned the phrase ‘widow indeed,’ referring to one who is without resources.
One of the first tests of a widow lacking resources, is whether or not she has family or extended family.
One of the first obligations of family is to take care of their own.
No person is considered good (1 Tim. 5:8) if they simply want to turn their elders out to pasture so to speak, or to simply get rid of the inconvenience or obligation by placing them out of sight. And especially widows who usually have nowhere else to turn.
So, children have a responsibility to their parents. Grandchildren have a responsibility to their grandparents, and so forth.
This is not restricted to just two generations, but can go on for as long as folks are alive. But generally most families have only a couple of generations in view in this regard, when the grandchildren are old enough to be out on their own (thirty to forty years old etc.), and have the means to take care of others. Great-grandparents, even grand-parents probably will not be around by then. Only parents will probably be around.
With family assuming the first line of support responsibility, then that lessens the burden on others who give to their local church or assembly or group, for the purposes of charity and help, for folks such as these.
The word for first, ‘proton,’ means first in line, or first in priority. This is a mandate from God, and is one of the many tests of your obedience to God, when you accept without question, your responsibility to care for your own family.
Parents raised you and kept you for the better part of your younger years. So as children, you (we all), have a responsibility to give back to our parents, when they are in need. This of course does not apply when the parents are well off, obviously.
‘This is acceptable in Gods sight,’ makes it a mandated obligation.
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Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
1 Timothy 5:3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:3
DailyBibleStudy.Org
3 Honour [timao] widows [chera] that are widows [chera] indeed. [ontos] KJV-Interlinear
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; NASB
A widow is one who has lost her husband, and is now alone and without any means of support in this world.
Honor, ‘timao,’ means to respect, to care for, to support, to treat graciously, and is used in Matt. 15:1-6 to incorporate financial support for widows, which the Scribes and Pharisees attempted to force donations to the church as more holy than financial support to widows. Jesus equates financial support to widows as in fact giving to the church, and He reprimanded the Pharisees for their heartless attitude toward widows. Ex. 20 expands on this concept.
The word for indeed, ‘ontos,’ expresses the idea of true widows, or women who have lost all means of support. This does not include widows who have some adequate means of support, as many women receive insurance or an inheritance or have family or other means with which to survive comfortably in life, once their husband has gone away or died. Typically family has the first obligation to help widows or women in distress.
Likewise, death is not the only means of causing a woman to become a widow. The broad definition of widow, ‘chera,’ is an adjective used as a noun, and means ‘bereft,’ ‘robbed,’ ‘having suffered loss,’ ‘left alone.’ This does not describe how the wife has been left, but includes all manner of loss which causes her to be helpless in life.
The loss could be through the death of her husband, imprisonment of her husband, abandoned by her husband, and so forth. In any case the wife is now without any means of support, and one of the strongest Christian principles is the support of those who have no means. This is a far cry from the likes of Islam which attempts to force extreme hardships on divorced or widowed women, forbidding them virtually all opportunities in life to have a life, except begging and starving on the streets. Islam is probably the most brutal religions when it comes to the treatment of women, and especially widows.
God designed women to be special recipients of care. Whether you agree with it or not, women in history and in this world are under the umbrella of male protection, provision, authority and direction. And as such, men and families are obligated to take extra special care in protecting women, of all ages, and their rights.
The Bible gives us a picture of just how fragile life can be when a person is alone and helpless. This is a picture of the believer in this world, with Christ absent for the moment, but still making provision for each one of us (men and women), while He is absent from this world. We are helpless and He provides. The world is heartless, but God cares deeply. The world attempts to destroy Christians and people in general, but God controls history and has a better plan for everyone.
Several verses give details of the plight and care of widows, Ex 22:22-24, Psa 68:5, Deut 27:19, Isa 1:17, Ps 146:9, Gen 38:11, Ruth 1:16, 3:12; 4:1-10, Deut 25:5-10, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 7:11-17, 18:1, 20:47.
Just as God helps each one of us individually and collectively as helpless Christians in this world, so too, we have an obligation to help those who have lost all of their means of self support, and certainly to never take or seek advantage over them for our own selfish interests.
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1 Timothy 5:3
DailyBibleStudy.Org
3 Honour [timao] widows [chera] that are widows [chera] indeed. [ontos] KJV-Interlinear
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; NASB
A widow is one who has lost her husband, and is now alone and without any means of support in this world.
Honor, ‘timao,’ means to respect, to care for, to support, to treat graciously, and is used in Matt. 15:1-6 to incorporate financial support for widows, which the Scribes and Pharisees attempted to force donations to the church as more holy than financial support to widows. Jesus equates financial support to widows as in fact giving to the church, and He reprimanded the Pharisees for their heartless attitude toward widows. Ex. 20 expands on this concept.
The word for indeed, ‘ontos,’ expresses the idea of true widows, or women who have lost all means of support. This does not include widows who have some adequate means of support, as many women receive insurance or an inheritance or have family or other means with which to survive comfortably in life, once their husband has gone away or died. Typically family has the first obligation to help widows or women in distress.
Likewise, death is not the only means of causing a woman to become a widow. The broad definition of widow, ‘chera,’ is an adjective used as a noun, and means ‘bereft,’ ‘robbed,’ ‘having suffered loss,’ ‘left alone.’ This does not describe how the wife has been left, but includes all manner of loss which causes her to be helpless in life.
The loss could be through the death of her husband, imprisonment of her husband, abandoned by her husband, and so forth. In any case the wife is now without any means of support, and one of the strongest Christian principles is the support of those who have no means. This is a far cry from the likes of Islam which attempts to force extreme hardships on divorced or widowed women, forbidding them virtually all opportunities in life to have a life, except begging and starving on the streets. Islam is probably the most brutal religions when it comes to the treatment of women, and especially widows.
God designed women to be special recipients of care. Whether you agree with it or not, women in history and in this world are under the umbrella of male protection, provision, authority and direction. And as such, men and families are obligated to take extra special care in protecting women, of all ages, and their rights.
The Bible gives us a picture of just how fragile life can be when a person is alone and helpless. This is a picture of the believer in this world, with Christ absent for the moment, but still making provision for each one of us (men and women), while He is absent from this world. We are helpless and He provides. The world is heartless, but God cares deeply. The world attempts to destroy Christians and people in general, but God controls history and has a better plan for everyone.
Several verses give details of the plight and care of widows, Ex 22:22-24, Psa 68:5, Deut 27:19, Isa 1:17, Ps 146:9, Gen 38:11, Ruth 1:16, 3:12; 4:1-10, Deut 25:5-10, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 7:11-17, 18:1, 20:47.
Just as God helps each one of us individually and collectively as helpless Christians in this world, so too, we have an obligation to help those who have lost all of their means of self support, and certainly to never take or seek advantage over them for our own selfish interests.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
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Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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Sunday, February 7, 2010
1 Timothy 5:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:2
DailyBibleStudy.Org
2 The elder women [presbuteros] as [hos] mothers; [meter] the younger [neos] as [hos] sisters, [adelphe] with [en] all [pas] purity. [hagneia] KJV-Interlinear
2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly we are not to attempt to take any type of advantage for ourselves at their expense.
When dealing with older and younger men, respect and courtesy are in view.
When dealing with older and younger women, then advantage is in view. Or the taking of an advantage of them.
The phrase ‘in all purity,’ is the key to the interaction with women.
The Bible must be interpreted in accordance with the time in which it was written. In ancient times, women were the weaker, the more naïve, and the ones over whom advantage could be taken, by unscrupulous types.
Unscrupulous types exist in our day as well, however, you are not to be one of their type. Far too many priests are unscrupulous in this area.
Older women who are straying or in need of advice, will typically be widows. That is the implication here, but not exclusive. Otherwise they would be seeking mutual council with their husbands.
Younger women are viewed as virgins, and vulnerable to anyone who might take advantage of them, especially one in whom they perceive a trust.
Therefore, this instruction goes to us all when having conversations, on the order of counseling. Treat them as mothers or sisters, whichever the case might be.
Honor your mother, Ex. 20:12, Prov. 1:8, 6:20, 23:22.
The purity of younger women must be protected, Lev 18:9-18; 20:17-19; Deut 27:22.
Avoid the look of lust or desire, Prov. 6:25, Job 31:1.
Do not be persuaded by the flattery of unscrupulous women, Prov. 5:3, 2:16; 6:24; 22:14.
Avoid bad thoughts, Prov. 6:25.
Avoid setting up extra rendezvous, Prov. 7.
Avoid the house of dishonor, Prov. 7:25-27, 5:8.
Avoid the sensuous touch, Prov. 7:13.
All in all, avoid anything that goes beyond the conversation of council, and flirts with the area of taking advantage for ones own personal gain or lust. All counsel is for the benefit of the one being counseled, never for the one giving counsel.
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Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
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1 Timothy 5:2
DailyBibleStudy.Org
2 The elder women [presbuteros] as [hos] mothers; [meter] the younger [neos] as [hos] sisters, [adelphe] with [en] all [pas] purity. [hagneia] KJV-Interlinear
2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly we are not to attempt to take any type of advantage for ourselves at their expense.
When dealing with older and younger men, respect and courtesy are in view.
When dealing with older and younger women, then advantage is in view. Or the taking of an advantage of them.
The phrase ‘in all purity,’ is the key to the interaction with women.
The Bible must be interpreted in accordance with the time in which it was written. In ancient times, women were the weaker, the more naïve, and the ones over whom advantage could be taken, by unscrupulous types.
Unscrupulous types exist in our day as well, however, you are not to be one of their type. Far too many priests are unscrupulous in this area.
Older women who are straying or in need of advice, will typically be widows. That is the implication here, but not exclusive. Otherwise they would be seeking mutual council with their husbands.
Younger women are viewed as virgins, and vulnerable to anyone who might take advantage of them, especially one in whom they perceive a trust.
Therefore, this instruction goes to us all when having conversations, on the order of counseling. Treat them as mothers or sisters, whichever the case might be.
Honor your mother, Ex. 20:12, Prov. 1:8, 6:20, 23:22.
The purity of younger women must be protected, Lev 18:9-18; 20:17-19; Deut 27:22.
Avoid the look of lust or desire, Prov. 6:25, Job 31:1.
Do not be persuaded by the flattery of unscrupulous women, Prov. 5:3, 2:16; 6:24; 22:14.
Avoid bad thoughts, Prov. 6:25.
Avoid setting up extra rendezvous, Prov. 7.
Avoid the house of dishonor, Prov. 7:25-27, 5:8.
Avoid the sensuous touch, Prov. 7:13.
All in all, avoid anything that goes beyond the conversation of council, and flirts with the area of taking advantage for ones own personal gain or lust. All counsel is for the benefit of the one being counseled, never for the one giving counsel.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
1 Timothy 5:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:1
DailyBibleStudy.Org
1 Rebuke [epiplesso] not [me] an elder, [presbuteros] but [alla] intreat [parakaleo] him as [hos] a father; [pater] and the younger men [neos] as [hos] brethren; [adelphos] KJV-Interlinear
5 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly there are lots of churches or preachers out there that take this approach toward their members. Believing that their approach is tough and necessary in order to convince or impress their members, so that they can retain them as members, or force them into making some sort of overt change in their life, a change that meets with their standards of conduct.
However, the better approach which is mandated by God, here through Paul, is by entreaty or appeal or persuasion. It is far more successful if the person, you are trying to get into compliance with doctrine, makes their change voluntarily and especially if they are a part of the decision process for making that change.
Paul describes four categories of people in these two verses, namely older men, younger men, older women and younger women, with respect as to how to deal with them.
Depending on your age, when you approach other people, they will more than likely be older or younger than you. Older people will have a natural tendency of believing that they know a little bit more about life than you, and younger folks will probably have the notion that you are old and old fashion, and not ‘in’ with the new ways of thinking or doing things.
So, in other words, you have to fight an uphill battle from a starting losing position.
As for older men, and this refers to older in age, not is church position such as an elder is typically referred. But as for older men, your approach should be just as though you were talking with your own dad. Respect is in order. And respect means that you listen first, let them have their say and then list your position in doctrine and make comparisons between the two opinions, in an orderly fashion.
Old age in men is a badge of honor, regardless of their success or accomplishments in life. It is a age old tradition and is even supported by the Bible, Lev 19:32, Prov 4:1-4, Prov 16:31, Prov 20:29, Job 32:4, 6.
When older men enter a room, you stand. When older men require a seat, you give up your chair. When older men speak, you listen and wait to be invited to speak, otherwise you remain silent, or you first request permission to speak.
Younger men are to be treated as you would a brother or sibling of your own family.
A brother assumes no superiority, but as an equal. And the approach in teaching younger men, Christian principles, gets better results if you talk on an equal basis, not from an arrogant or superior or even an inferior position.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:1
DailyBibleStudy.Org
1 Rebuke [epiplesso] not [me] an elder, [presbuteros] but [alla] intreat [parakaleo] him as [hos] a father; [pater] and the younger men [neos] as [hos] brethren; [adelphos] KJV-Interlinear
5 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly there are lots of churches or preachers out there that take this approach toward their members. Believing that their approach is tough and necessary in order to convince or impress their members, so that they can retain them as members, or force them into making some sort of overt change in their life, a change that meets with their standards of conduct.
However, the better approach which is mandated by God, here through Paul, is by entreaty or appeal or persuasion. It is far more successful if the person, you are trying to get into compliance with doctrine, makes their change voluntarily and especially if they are a part of the decision process for making that change.
Paul describes four categories of people in these two verses, namely older men, younger men, older women and younger women, with respect as to how to deal with them.
Depending on your age, when you approach other people, they will more than likely be older or younger than you. Older people will have a natural tendency of believing that they know a little bit more about life than you, and younger folks will probably have the notion that you are old and old fashion, and not ‘in’ with the new ways of thinking or doing things.
So, in other words, you have to fight an uphill battle from a starting losing position.
As for older men, and this refers to older in age, not is church position such as an elder is typically referred. But as for older men, your approach should be just as though you were talking with your own dad. Respect is in order. And respect means that you listen first, let them have their say and then list your position in doctrine and make comparisons between the two opinions, in an orderly fashion.
Old age in men is a badge of honor, regardless of their success or accomplishments in life. It is a age old tradition and is even supported by the Bible, Lev 19:32, Prov 4:1-4, Prov 16:31, Prov 20:29, Job 32:4, 6.
When older men enter a room, you stand. When older men require a seat, you give up your chair. When older men speak, you listen and wait to be invited to speak, otherwise you remain silent, or you first request permission to speak.
Younger men are to be treated as you would a brother or sibling of your own family.
A brother assumes no superiority, but as an equal. And the approach in teaching younger men, Christian principles, gets better results if you talk on an equal basis, not from an arrogant or superior or even an inferior position.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, February 5, 2010
1 Timothy 4:16
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 4:16
DailyBibleStudy.Org
16 Take heed [epecho] unto thyself, [seautou] and [kai] unto the doctrine; [didaskalia] continue [epimeno] in them: [autos] for [gar] in doing [poieo] this [touto] thou shalt [sozo] both [kai] save [sozo] thyself, [seautou] and [kai] them that hear [akouo] thee. [sou] KJV-Interlinear
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. NASB
Jesus Himself made the statement:
John 8:31
31 … "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; NASB
Most people, most Christians that is, say that they love Jesus. But most Christians don’t even crack open the Bible very much during their lifetime, let alone on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis.
And as for those who go to church or do something of a Christian nature, a bit more often, they still do not comply with the command, to ‘abide in the Word.’ Their spiritual reality is more of a convenience, or for social entertainment, or ‘do as they see fit’ approach to their spiritual life.
If you had the ability to see those who actually hunkered down in a daily study, in this world, I think you would be surprised to discover just how few they are in number. Then you might realize that this world hangs on only because of the grace of God, and certainly not because of the ingenuity or brilliance of any human effort.
Of course, the best example of human failure will come in the future when the Tribulation unfolds into history, as humanity brings itself to near extinction in less than seven years following the Rapture.
Most folks believe that it is their option to view all things in life, and make their own way through life as they see fit, and that, that is what sustains humanity in this world.
And that could not be further from the truth. Dust cannot sustain dust unless there is an overriding power to help it out.
And so Paul closes this chapter with good advice.
Pay close attention, be alert, do not be foolish, listen, observe, notice, regard. That is your command to stick with truth (Bible doctrine). Learn it, and understand it, and keep it as your most prized possession.
Persevere in your spiritual life, no matter what the world throws at you. Never be discouraged. The world wants you to become discouraged. Never give up. The world wants you to give up. Never doubt. The world wants you to have doubts.
Doctrine preserves your life and completes your life. The world doesn’t want you to have anything good, but will try to entice you or disappoint you so that you will be certain to fail (and the world wins).
And if you ever do take the challenge to advance in your spiritual life, the world will only get tougher on you, so that you will quit.
But God is greater than the world, and with nothing more than words on a page, and I will repeat that, with nothing more than words on a page, you can defeat the entire system of evil that runs rampant in the world and there is nothing that the world can do to stop you. Harass you, of course, but that is all.
The word for salvation or save, ‘sozo,’ means to preserve, to sustain, to keep. And in this context it is not being saved as in believing in Christ, for this verse presumes that you are already saved. After all, doctrine does no good for the unbeliever until they have been saved. Works never save.
However, continued exposure and adherence to your daily studies, will keep God, Christ, and doctrine in the forefront of your mind and thoughts, so that you will not stray away from your spiritual life, but continue to advance in your spiritual growth, building up spiritual muscle and faith. Both of which help you to face and endure every possible trouble that the world can think up and throw against you.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 4:16
DailyBibleStudy.Org
16 Take heed [epecho] unto thyself, [seautou] and [kai] unto the doctrine; [didaskalia] continue [epimeno] in them: [autos] for [gar] in doing [poieo] this [touto] thou shalt [sozo] both [kai] save [sozo] thyself, [seautou] and [kai] them that hear [akouo] thee. [sou] KJV-Interlinear
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. NASB
Jesus Himself made the statement:
John 8:31
31 … "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; NASB
Most people, most Christians that is, say that they love Jesus. But most Christians don’t even crack open the Bible very much during their lifetime, let alone on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis.
And as for those who go to church or do something of a Christian nature, a bit more often, they still do not comply with the command, to ‘abide in the Word.’ Their spiritual reality is more of a convenience, or for social entertainment, or ‘do as they see fit’ approach to their spiritual life.
If you had the ability to see those who actually hunkered down in a daily study, in this world, I think you would be surprised to discover just how few they are in number. Then you might realize that this world hangs on only because of the grace of God, and certainly not because of the ingenuity or brilliance of any human effort.
Of course, the best example of human failure will come in the future when the Tribulation unfolds into history, as humanity brings itself to near extinction in less than seven years following the Rapture.
Most folks believe that it is their option to view all things in life, and make their own way through life as they see fit, and that, that is what sustains humanity in this world.
And that could not be further from the truth. Dust cannot sustain dust unless there is an overriding power to help it out.
And so Paul closes this chapter with good advice.
Pay close attention, be alert, do not be foolish, listen, observe, notice, regard. That is your command to stick with truth (Bible doctrine). Learn it, and understand it, and keep it as your most prized possession.
Persevere in your spiritual life, no matter what the world throws at you. Never be discouraged. The world wants you to become discouraged. Never give up. The world wants you to give up. Never doubt. The world wants you to have doubts.
Doctrine preserves your life and completes your life. The world doesn’t want you to have anything good, but will try to entice you or disappoint you so that you will be certain to fail (and the world wins).
And if you ever do take the challenge to advance in your spiritual life, the world will only get tougher on you, so that you will quit.
But God is greater than the world, and with nothing more than words on a page, and I will repeat that, with nothing more than words on a page, you can defeat the entire system of evil that runs rampant in the world and there is nothing that the world can do to stop you. Harass you, of course, but that is all.
The word for salvation or save, ‘sozo,’ means to preserve, to sustain, to keep. And in this context it is not being saved as in believing in Christ, for this verse presumes that you are already saved. After all, doctrine does no good for the unbeliever until they have been saved. Works never save.
However, continued exposure and adherence to your daily studies, will keep God, Christ, and doctrine in the forefront of your mind and thoughts, so that you will not stray away from your spiritual life, but continue to advance in your spiritual growth, building up spiritual muscle and faith. Both of which help you to face and endure every possible trouble that the world can think up and throw against you.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
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